HC Deb 16 March 1904 vol 131 cc1263-4
MR. DAVID MACIVER (Liverpool, Kirkdale)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the continuance of illegal practices in the Church of England, His Majesty's Government, having regard to the pledge given live years ago, will, in the present session of Parliament, introduce legislation for the better enforcement of discipline in the; Church of England; or, failing such intention, will give facilities for the progress of the Church Discipline Bill introduced by the hon. Member for the Everton Division of Liverpool.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

I would remind my hon. friend that I was prepared to give a Parliamentary day to deal with the two Bills which came before the House last session in connection with this subject. That suggestion was, I think, perhaps acceptable to the House in general, but not to some of those who were responsible for one of the measures then before us. I think, however, that a great deal of light would be thrown upon this subject by the Report of the Royal Commission which I announced a few days ago, and I hope my hon. friend will wait till he sees that Report before pressing for any further action on the part of the Government.

MR. AUSTIN TAYLOR (Liverpool, E. Toxteth)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will state what will be the precise terms of reference to the Royal Commission on Ecclesiastical Disorders; and whether he has any communication to make to the House as to the composition of the said Commission.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I hope to be able in a very short time to give my hon. friend the information he desires, but I cannot do so at the present moment.

MR. AUSTIN TAYLOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of placing on this Commission a strong judicial element, as apart from any elements which may be either clerical or partisan, or both?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The point raised by my hon. friend has not escaped me, and the matter will be carefully considered from that point of view.